By: AJ McClellan
Some days are a real treat here at Graileys, and the funniest thing is that they typically come on the most unassuming days… Yesterday was one such afternoon. It was a quiet day with very little going on but all that changed with one client, a few guests, and two absolutely stunning bottles of wine.
The first bottle to be popped would make wine of the night on almost any day in Graileys – a 1969 Krug Magnum! The wine was in pristine condition and when we popped it there was still plenty of pressure in the bottle. Once poured the toasted almond and cooked quince notes overtook the room carrying me away to a world of fresh French baguettes smattered with peach preserves then lightly toasted and served with a drizzle of honey. Just thinking of the wine makes my mouth water all over again.
As if the magnum of Krug was not enough then we were treated to a legendary bottle of 1961 Mouton Rothschild!! The Moutons label was a little nicked but the cork came out with no problems. The nose was a old musty trunk containing all of your favorite things. Like a kid I jumped into the wine headfirst finding dried blueberries, classic graphite, cassis, and a beautiful earthiness that made me want to keep my nose in the glass for hours. The palate was softer than silk but with a surprising weight that filled the senses with stunning floral notes and massive fruit that I thought would be forgotten on a wine of this age.
After tasting both wines I don’t know if I could pick a favorite if my life depended on it. All I have to say is, WOW! What a night at Graileys…